Enjoy holiday meals without overeating

The holiday season is here and most students are going to be traveling home to enjoy the family cooking they have been missing while at college. During the holidays unnecessary overeating occurs.

According to a Texas A&M University study, an average person will gain between five and 10 pounds between Thanksgiving Day to Jan. 2.

Student Jenna Reeves doesn't make a conscience effort to avoid over eating.

"There is only so much turkey I can take," she said.

Her grandfather has diabetes so at Thanksgiving a special meal is made to accommodate him.

"Homemade dressing and cranberry sauce are definitely things that I will make room for even if I'm on the full side, but not cherries, that is just nasty," Courtney McConico, senior, said.

Caitlin Combest, senior, is going to make a valiant effort to avoid overeating so she will fit into her wedding dress on Dec. 16, 2006.

"My favorite food at Thanksgiving is 'Grog Rolls', which are my grandmother's home made rolls. I could eat about 10 throughout the day, so this year I'm really going to have to not do that," Combest said.

Amanda Wadkins, a member of Ottawa University staff, doesn't avoid overeating.

"It's the only time we eat like that so I think it justifies it," Wadkins said.

According to Doctor Joseph Mercola at www.mercola.com/2003/nov/22/hoilday_eating.htm, there are six tips to avoid overeating.

The first tip is to not starve oneself. If they restrict at the beginning by the time the dessert rolls around that cheese cake is going to seem irresistible.

The second tip is to buy a special Holiday outfit. Find something that makes the person feel good about their self because when one feels comfortable with oneself on the outside they will respect their self more.

The next tip is to get moving. Ideally one should get outside or go shopping with family to keep their metabolism up and running.

The fourth tip is to make some nutritious dishes. Not all holiday foods have to be loaded with fat and preservatives.

The fifth tip is to deal with one's emotions. Many food cravings have nothing to do with physical cravings.

The sixth and final tip is to remember that it is just another meal. Family is the most important part about this up and coming holiday. Focus on what really matters and enjoy the company along with the food.